Whether minor or serious, all drugs come with side effects and patients should always be able to find out about these from a product’s label. Although outer packaging and package inserts can provide a deep understanding of a product, the labeling on the container itself is what will remain intact throughout the lifespan of a drug and thus should always contain sufficient information.
The listed side effects of a drug may seem excessive to some, detailing a long list of potential possibilities which can appear intimidating and frightening. It is a legal requirement to disclose any potential side effects, however minor, so a patient is aware of the possibilities and can speak to a pharmacist or doctor if there are concerns.
There are various types of side effects which vary from common minor symptoms to unusual symptoms which could appear alarming without prior warning. For consumables, nearly any drug can cause nausea or an upset stomach, and for drugs used on the outside, skin irritation is a common side effect. In addition to the common side effects, allergic reactions are a more severe concern that could happen with any drug based on their chemical structure and may not be planned for, having the potential to lead to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.
To manage the risk associated with new drugs on the market, the FDA has an approvals process that requires the thorough testing of new products. New Drug Applications (NDAs) get submitted by pharmaceutical companies which disclose the potential side effects which are backed up by medical trials and thorough research. If the FDA is satisfied that a drug is safe for consumption, it can be approved, or if not, more claims testing will be required to ensure risk is minimal.
As much as testing can reveal side effects, there is always a chance that the extent of these may not be apparent until the drug hits the market and is exposed to real-world consumers. To get around this, all prescription drugs and many over-the-counter products are labeled with a phone number linked to the FDA. This can be contacted by anyone who experiences side effects or adverse reactions so the FDA becomes aware of any customer experiences, allowing them to act accordingly.
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